Will Gauteng taps run dry?

KEY: SUPPLY FROM LESOTHO HIGHLANDS CUT, SO COUNCILS MUST FIX AND ENFORCE RESTRICTIONS. Dysfunctional municipalities may be in trouble-expert.

- Marizka Coetzer

The Lesotho Highlands Water Project's water supply to Gauteng and other inland provinces was cut off yesterday for essential maintenance, but taps should not run dry.

This is if municipalities fix leaks and burst pipes and promote water conservation, role players say.

If consumption continues at the current high level, water from the Vaal Dam, which is at 40% of capacity compared to more than 80% this time last year, might have to be supplemented by draw down from the Sterkfontein Dam.

Then residents across the province will feel the bite of water restrictions.

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina and Lesotho's Minister of Natural Resources Mohlomi Moleko held a virtual meeting last week to assess the state of readiness for the Lesotho Highlands Water Project tunnel closure from 1 October to 31 March, 2025, for maintenance work on the transfer and delivery tunnels.

Rand Water has already implemented level 1 water restrictions across Gauteng.

City of Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, City of Ekurhuleni's spokesperson Zweli Dlamini and City of Joburg's MMC for environment, infrastructure, and service delivery Nico de Jager have all confirmed that level 1 water restrictions are currently in place across the various metros.